Woody > Cornus > Cornus kousa > Cornus kousa var. chinensis
Cornus kousa
var. chinensis
Kousa Dogwood
Origin: Introduced from Japan to the United States by G. R. Hall in 1861-62 and now very common.
Mike's
Opinion
"
The plant has distinct cream coloured bracts that often envelope the entire plant, these are followed by strawberry like fruit very similar to Arbutus. Autumn colour is not exceptional. As the plant matures and the branches are pruned to reveal the trunk, a light khaki coloured exfoliating bark may be seen. The most spectactular ones I have grown have been in full sun, in elevated beds in drought conditions. They do not seem to make the growth that their nearby cousins do in the garden proper, however they surpass other plants in the garden when they are in bloom. Coincidentally this grouping always produces a crop of coveted seedlings.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Cornaceae |
| Genus |
| Cornus |
| Species |
| kousa |
| Category |
| Woody |
| Type |
| Tree (deciduous) |
| Variety |
| chinensis |
| Pronunciation |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 5 - 8 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 4a - 8a |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H4 - H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -29 -(-7) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| -20 - 20 |
| Height |
| 7 m |
| Spread |
| 5 m |
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| Broad, vase shaped tree or large shrub. |
| Landscape |
| Handsome small specimen tree, near large buildings or blank walls. |
| Cultivation |
| Prefers good garden soils and adequate moisture, will tolerate partial shade. |
| Shape |
| 'V' shaped open crown. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| ID Characteristic |
| Flowers in June which is later than C. florida. Distinct cream coloured bracts with strawberry like fruit. |
| Habitat |
| Japan. Korea China and the Ryukyus. |
| Bark/Stem Description |
| Exfoliating with age. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
| Flower - formed at end of stem, fattened and globose |
| Leaf Description |
| Opposite, simple, elliptic-ovate. |
| Flower Description |
| Distinct cream coloured bracts. |
| Fruit Description |
| Drupe in pinkish to red 1-2.5 cm long, edible. |
| Colour Description |
| Dark green, pale yellow in the autumn. |
| Texture Description |
| Medium. |
| Notable Specimens |
| The A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. |
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